Honestly, Vanessa

Most non muslims may find it strange that my “inside clothes” are actually cuter than my outside clothes. Most people throw on comfy and plain clothes at home and dress up nice to go out, but as a muslim, I’m the opposite these days.

So at home my style is very “30s chic.” Very feminine, still a little sexy, but in a much more grown woman kind of way. As a housewife, I love simple, elegant pieces that still make me feel pretty without feeling uncomfortable or overdone.

One of my favorite brands lately is Pretty Garden. Their clothing feels like the perfect balance between modest, sexy, cozy, feminine, and modern. Big W that they have a lot of modest pieces that I can wear OUTDOORS.

Of course, I love pieces that make me feel youthful and attractive for my husband, especially fitted tops with tight high waisted jeans, easy two piece flirty lounge sets, short or long elegant dresses, warm neutral colors, and dusty pinks that go well with my skin tone.

If I’m already wearing a cute matching set at home, I can easily button it up and throw an open abaya over it and go pick up groceries or run an errand without needing to completely change. Easy and simple.

I’ve also been thinking about wearing more linen… The older I get, the more I care about how clothing actually feels on my body, not just how it looks aesthetically, especially since I’ll be wearing these clothes for a longer period of time.

One of my close friends is actually working on starting her own linen clothing brand soon, which makes me so excited because I’ve been wanting more clothing that actually feels healthier on my skin.

In my late 20s, before Islam, my style was very sexy and bohemian. I definitely showed a lot of skin and embraced clothing that highlighted my body.

So it’s important that I still feel expressive and sexy in this season as well. Our thirties is not old and it is definitely our prime years.

Now as far as going out, in the beginning of my religious journey, I went very all or nothing with the oversized abayas, niqabs, loose silhouettes, darker colors, layering everything, trying to look Muslim or modest enough.

I think a lot of converts go through that phase because when you first enter Islam, everything feels so sacred. Clothing almost becomes symbolic of your transformation.

And to be honest, I don’t regret that phase at all. It was sincere. It was part of my journey. ❤

But over time, my understanding of modesty softened and matured. Not softened in faith, but softened in rigidity. I started realizing that modesty doesn’t have to erase personality, femininity, creativity, or practicality. I also realized that where you live matters too.

Living in the west definitely can shape the way women naturally interpret modest fashion. Eventually I stopped trying to force myself into an aesthetic that didn’t fully align with my actual personality or environment.

These days, my style feels a lot more balanced and authentic to me. I still dress modestly, but it’s more modern now. More integrated.

I still love abayas, but I buy more of the open kinds and ill throw them over a pair of cute boyfriend jeans and cute top instead of a long dress unless I am going to a mosque or an islamic event.

I really love layering, its feels so elegant and stylish.

I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that modesty and personal style are not enemies.

Spiritual growth doesn’t always stay in its intense beginning phase forever.

Sometimes it becomes quieter, and grounded over time.